I thought I'd write an info-piece about what happened in 2017 and what's happening in 2018 regarding the invasive mussels in Tiber and Canyon Ferry (maybe!) and what we're doing locally to Protect Our Waters.
But before I get into all that, I'd just like to throw out this caution to everyone, especially visitors who are not very familiar with our area. While the water levels are receding in our lakes and streams, they are still higher than normal, and many are very dangerous.
Many streams are still ripping and are flowing too fast to safely wade. Children and pets – even adults – are attracted by moving water. It looks pretty. It sounds nice. But it is powerful and unrelenting. Always keep an eye out for large trees being swept downstream, especially coming out of burned areas. Not as easily seen, big rocks are rolling along the bottom. Please be careful around the streams and keep a close eye on children and pets.
So, with that said, let's talk about the invasive mussels. Last year was the first recreational season in Montana after the discovery of invasive mussels in Tiber and Canyon Ferry. To be clear, Canyon Ferry has not been confirmed as positive, but erring on the side of caution following a suspect result, Canyon Ferry is being managed as being positive for the mussels. New rules were put into place by the state to help contain the problem and prevent the spread to other waterbodies. All watercraft users should be familiar with these rules.
• All watercraft entering the state must be inspected before launching in any Montana waterbody.
• All watercraft crossing the Continental Divide from east to west must be inspected before launching in any Montana waterbody west of the Divide.
• All watercraft leaving Tiber or Canyon Ferry Reservoirs must be inspected and possibly decontaminated, with the exception of boaters who registered as a certified local boater.
To assist with the implementation of these rules, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks – the agency responsible for Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) – established many more watercraft inspection stations around the perimeter of the state and along the Continental Divide. Some stations are opening earlier in the year and operating longer hours during the day. Some are even operating 24/7. And enforcement of drive-bys has been increased. Citations are being written.
A new, very similar rule implemented this year that you need to be aware of is: All watercraft entering the Flathead Basin (including Holland and Lindbergh Lakes) must be inspected before launching in any Flathead Basin waterbody.
Last year, great effort was made to find adult mussels in Tiber and Canyon Ferry. The tests that came back positive only detect the juvenile form of the mussel but adults had to produce them. Of course, many water samples were collected and all tested negative. Divers looked for mussels where they would most likely be found and did not find any. I'm sure the search will continue this year.
In fact, FWP announced that no new aquatic invasive species infestations of any kind were detected in 2017. This is great news but the fight against AIS can never stop.
Locally, prevention efforts were increased by manning roving boat inspectors right at the local boat launches, in addition to the inspection station at Clearwater Junction. This year similar efforts will be implemented. So be aware that you might be asked a few more questions at the boat launch, even if you were just inspected down at Clearwater. We thank you for your understanding and patience as we work to determine the right balance of prevention, without too much inconvenience. Our waters are worth protecting.
Our valley has one of the longest running, and most comprehensive, AIS monitoring programs in the state, and we will continue monitoring for invasive mussels and plants this year. The program is funded primarily by grants from Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation and the US Forest Service. However, we still would not be possible without the invaluable contributions of our volunteers who actually do the sampling. If you see a boat putting out into the water, something that looks like it came from the movie Jaws, it's not a new fishing technique – they're sampling for AIS.
By now you're wondering how you can help, aren't you? The most important thing you can do is to Clean, Drain, Dry your boat, canoe, kayak, skis, paddle boards, trailer and equipment after every use. When you take your boat out of the water, pull the plug and drain the bilge. Lower the motor and let it drain. Take a couple minutes to do a walk-around and look for mud or vegetation on your boat or trailer. Empty all water-holding compartments in your boat. Use sponges or towels to mop up any standing water. If your boat is clean, drained and dry, you will fly through any inspection stations you encounter. So do yourself a favor and take those few minutes!
If you're a local boater and never take your boat out of the valley, you are not required to be inspected before boating locally. If you go east of the Divide or out-of-state, you will be required to be inspected before launching here. Wherever you boat, you should still, always, Clean, Drain and Dry.
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